Focus on Kokoda - Paradise Magazine

Kokoda in pictures: photos from the trail

The front line ... the author trekked with this group to raise funds for charity.

I love the idea that through challenging ourselves we become better versions of ourselves.

I was fortunate enough to walk the Kokoda Trail late last year, following in the footsteps of many heroes and legends – not just from the war, but all those who have taken on the challenge of walking 96 kilometres over seven nights in Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Ranges.

The trail is seen as a pilgrimage to honour soldiers and family members who fought during times of war. For me, however, as someone with no family ties to the military, my motivations and mindset were a little different.

On the trail ... locals dance and play music at the end of the trek.

Local students greet trekkers.

Careful consideration is given to each foot placement during a descent.

I love the idea that through challenging ourselves we become better versions of ourselves – stronger, both physically and mentally. This challenge pulled me out of my comfortable home routine and placed me in a remote jungle, walking for eight hours a day and tolerating sore knee joints (from all the downhill descents).

Taking stock ... trekkers check a map to see how far they have progressed and the challenges to come.

Tough going on the trail.

Happy village children met the trekkers all along the trail.

Step by step ... the trekking group‘s mantra was ‘a little bit of uphill, a little bit of downhill, rinse and repeat’.

Without a doubt, however, it was one of the best things I have pushed myself to do. The trip was organised to raise funds for Mates in Construction, a not-for-profit Australian construction-based suicide awareness charity. For myself, the trip was made extra special by completing it with my father.

The best time to do the Kokoda Trail is during the dry season, from April to October. For a list of accredited operators and guides, see the Kokoda Track Authority website at kokodatrackauthority.org.

Mates ... the author with his porter who gifted him a hand-carved stick carved along the trail.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY PHILLIP WOODHOUSE